Sol Hamed Ophiolitic Complex, Southern Eastern Desert, Egypt: Petrological, Economic Potentiality and Structural Implications

Abstract

The Sol Hamed (SH) area is a part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) ophiolites occurred within Onib-Sol Hamed suture zone in the southern Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt. The ophiolitic assemblages in this area are represented by serpentinite, metagabbro and arc assemblages represented by metavolcanics. They later intruded by gabbroes and granites. Geochemically, the compatible trace elements enrichment in SH serpentinites indicate derivation from a depleted mantle peridotite source. They show affinity to the typical metamorphic peridotites. The Cr and TiO2 contents indicate supra-subduction zone (SSZ) environment. Their Al2O3/SiO2 and MgO/SiO2 ratios support the SSZ affinity and are similar to ANS peridotites with fore-arc setting. Structurally, the area represents four deformational events can be well-known in the Neoproterozoic rocks (D1, D2, D3 and D4); There is major three fault sets affected the area. Magnesite in SH serpentinites are cryptocrystalline. It is occurring as snow-white veins and stock-works. These characteristics are typical of Kraubath type magnesite deposits. Gold is confined to malachite-bearing quartz veins, smoky quartz veins and alteration zones. Malachite-bearing quartz veins trending NW-SE cut through gabbroic rocks. The barren quartz veins are vertical with E-W directions. Alteration zones with NW-SE trend and vertical dip intrude metagabbros and metavolcanics.